Creamy Lemon Garlic Prawns (Shrimp)

Plump succulent prawns swimming in velvety garlic butter sauce create an irresistible combination that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into memorable culinary experiences. The natural sweetness of seafood pairs beautifully with aromatic garlic and bright citrus notes, while cream adds luxurious body without overwhelming the delicate flavors. This single pan wonder comes together in minutes rather than hours, proving that spectacular meals needn't require extensive preparation or specialized techniques. The sauce alone deserves special mention, worthy of being sopped up with crusty bread until not a single drop remains on your plate.

I first created this dish during a particularly hectic week when time was precious yet I craved something truly satisfying. The combination proved so successful that it remains in regular rotation years later. My sister immediately requested the recipe after her first bite during a casual Sunday dinner, claiming it rivaled her favorite seafood restaurant despite taking a fraction of the time and cost to prepare at home.

Perfect Ingredients

• Large Prawns: Select specimens with firm translucent flesh and natural ocean scent, avoiding any with ammoniac odor or slimy texture that indicates poor quality
• European Butter: Cultured varieties with higher fat content create superior sauce texture and depth of flavor compared to standard table butter
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Provides fruity undertones that complement seafood beautifully while preventing butter from burning during the initial cooking process
• Fresh Garlic: Newly harvested bulbs offer vibrant flavor without the bitter aftertaste found in older specimens that have begun sprouting
• Organic Lemons: The oils present in unwaxed peels infuse the sauce with citrus aromatics even before juicing, creating additional depth
• Thickened Cream: Seek products with minimum 35% fat content which creates silky texture without risk of separation during cooking
• Italian Parsley: Flat leaf varieties provide bright herbal notes and visual appeal without overpowering the delicate seafood flavors

Finding truly fresh prawns revolutionized this dish for me after discovering a local fishmonger who receives daily deliveries. The difference between those and previously frozen options proved remarkable in both texture and flavor development. My husband now insists we make the extra trip specifically for this dish, claiming the superior ingredients justify the additional effort given how prominently each component features in the final result.

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Essential Method

Prepare Perfect Prawns

• Begin by thoroughly patting prawns completely dry using paper towels which ensures proper searing rather than steaming. Heat a large heavy based skillet over medium high flame until properly hot but not smoking. Add one tablespoon each of olive oil and butter, swirling to coat the cooking surface entirely. Carefully place prawns in a single layer without crowding, which would reduce temperature and prevent proper caramelization. Cook undisturbed for approximately two minutes until edges turn pink and slightly golden. Turn each piece individually and continue cooking just until flesh becomes opaque throughout, approximately one additional minute. Remove promptly to a clean plate, leaving flavorful cooking juices behind in the pan.

Create Sumptuous Sauce

• Reduce heat to medium low before adding remaining butter to the same pan, capturing all flavor compounds developed during the prawn cooking process. Add minced garlic, stirring continuously for thirty seconds until aromatic but not browned which would introduce bitterness. Pour freshly squeezed lemon juice into the pan, using a wooden spoon to gently scrape any caramelized bits from the cooking surface which contain concentrated flavor. Add cream in a steady stream while continuously stirring to incorporate completely. Allow mixture to simmer gently for approximately three minutes until slightly thickened but still pourable. Season thoughtfully with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, tasting as you go to achieve perfect balance.

Complete Your Creation

• Return prawns along with any accumulated juices to the simmering sauce, gently coating each piece while allowing them to reheat without additional cooking. Scatter freshly chopped parsley throughout, reserving some for final garnish. Remove from heat once prawns are warmed through, approximately one minute, preventing them from becoming tough or rubbery. Transfer immediately to warmed serving plates, pouring additional sauce generously over the prawns. Garnish with reserved parsley and lemon wedges which provide both visual appeal and opportunity for additional brightness according to individual preference.

My grandmother taught me to respect seafood cooking times when I was barely tall enough to see over the stovetup. She insisted that the difference between perfect and ruined prawns often came down to mere seconds in the pan. Years later while watching a renowned chef demonstrate seafood techniques, I smiled hearing almost identical advice presented as professional wisdom. Sometimes the most valuable culinary knowledge comes from family traditions rather than formal education, particularly regarding delicate ingredients that require intuitive understanding beyond strict recipe formulas.

Beautiful Accompaniments

Simple starchy sides create perfect vehicles for enjoying every drop of the magnificent sauce. Crusty artisan bread with open crumb structure captures creamy goodness within its nooks and crannies. Classic linguine pasta tossed lightly with olive oil provides elegant foundation when serving as formal dinner. Steamed jasmine rice with its subtle floral notes complements the seafood without competing for attention. For lighter alternatives, consider cauliflower puree which mimics the creaminess of traditional starches while adding nutritional benefits and reducing carbohydrate content.

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Delicious Adaptations

Transform this foundational recipe to create entirely different experiences while maintaining the essential technique. Mediterranean inspired versions incorporate sundried tomatoes and baby spinach, adding vivid color and nutritional density. Asian influenced variations feature coconut milk instead of cream with added fresh ginger and lime replacing traditional lemon. Spice enthusiasts appreciate additions of red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chili that create pleasant warmth against the cooling cream elements. Consider incorporating white wine before adding cream which introduces sophisticated acidity and additional depth to the finished sauce.

Entertaining Excellence

This elegant yet approachable dish proves perfect for numerous hosting scenarios beyond everyday meals. Consider serving as sophisticated starter course in smaller portions that impress dinner guests without overwhelming subsequent courses. Weekend brunches feel celebratory when this replaces standard egg dishes, especially alongside champagne cocktails. Dinner party success becomes virtually guaranteed when this serves as main course, particularly since preparation happens quickly without requiring extensive advance work that separates hosts from their guests during precious socializing opportunities.

I believe true culinary satisfaction comes from understanding fundamental techniques rather than following complicated recipes that intimidate rather than inspire. This dish exemplifies that philosophy perfectly through its straightforward approach that nevertheless creates truly memorable results. The first time I prepared this for friends, conversation completely ceased as everyone focused entirely on their plates, followed by requests for seconds despite having planned an elaborate main course to follow. Food creates powerful connections when it provides genuine pleasure rather than merely impressive presentation, and few dishes demonstrate this principle more effectively than these simple yet extraordinary prawns.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen prawns instead of fresh for this recipe?

Yes, frozen prawns work perfectly in this recipe! To prepare them, defrost in an iced-water brine (1½ tablespoons salt per 1 liter/4 cups water with ice cubes). Stir occasionally until they're fully defrosted, then remove immediately, pat dry with paper towel, and store in the refrigerator until ready to use. It's best to defrost and use them on the same day for optimal freshness and texture.

→ What's the best type of cream to use for this dish?

For the richest, most stable sauce, use heavy cream (also called thickened cream or whipping cream) with a minimum fat content of 35%. This higher fat content prevents the sauce from curdling when it comes in contact with the acidic lemon juice and ensures a silky-smooth texture. Lower-fat alternatives like half and half or light cream may split in this recipe.

→ Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe to be dairy-free. Replace the butter with additional olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative, and substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream (the thick part from a can of coconut milk) or a cashew cream. The flavor profile will change slightly, but you'll still get a delicious creamy sauce.

→ What sides pair well with Creamy Lemon Garlic Prawns?

While crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce, you can also serve these prawns over pasta (linguine works particularly well), rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccolini make excellent accompaniments to balance the richness of the dish.

→ How can I tell when the prawns are perfectly cooked?

Perfectly cooked prawns should be pink with a slight pearly opacity. They will curl into a loose 'C' shape when done - if they curl into a tight 'O' shape, they're overcooked. For this recipe, you want to initially cook them until they're almost but not quite done (about 80%), as they'll finish cooking when returned to the sauce. This prevents them from becoming tough and rubbery.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While this dish is best enjoyed immediately after cooking, you can prepare most components ahead of time. Clean and devein the prawns, chop the garlic and parsley, and measure out other ingredients. The actual cooking should be done right before serving for the best texture and flavor. If you do have leftovers, they can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and gently reheated on low heat.